Sunstone Winery
Founded as one of the first organic vineyard estates in Santa Barbara County, Sunstone Winery is considered to be one of the most visually stunning destination wineries in California. Sunstone has been honored many times over as “Best Santa Ynez Valley Tasting Room”. Upon arrival, guests enter the winery’s inviting courtyards, leading to the expansive picnic grounds and the gorgeous stone tasting room and barrel aging caves, recalling rustic homes in the Provence countryside. Perched on the hillside above the winery is The Villa at Sunstone, an architectural masterpiece built from reclaimed materials from across France, that is reserved for private events and guest experiences. Sunstone makes Bordeaux & Rhone varietals.
Author: Caroline Porsiel
Caroline Porsiel is a master distiller and liqueurist based in East Ellijay, Georgia. She founded House of Applejay, a fine spirits and liqueur distillery, in 2022 with her mother, Sabine, crafting award-winning products like Applejay from Ellijay, Mt. Frozen Knob Vodka, and Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. The distillery won a 2024 Best of Georgia Award and a 2025 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. As a founding member of the AMBRU Campaign, launched in 2020, Porsiel advocates for the global recognition of American Brandy and Rum. She continues to drive innovation in the craft spirits industry from her active distillery in the heart of Georgia’s apple country.
